How to Pick Your College Major
Picking your college major can be daunting. How do you know which topic is right for you? Some lucky people know exactly what they want to do seemingly from birth and their decision for their major is effortless. But not everyone has that experience.
Here are some tips to help you decide on your major and start your educational journey. Remember: there is no "right" answer to the question of your college major. There is only what's right for you.
What are you Interested In?
It's a common idea that you should pick a career that's marketable. However, you don't want to study a subject you have absolutely no interest in for the sake of landing a career you will eventually hate. Instead, strike a balance between your interests and the job market.
For example, if you are interested in digital media you might think that the obvious answer is to become a graphic designer. But the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows the career growth for this field is around 1%. With so little expansion, it might be difficult to find gainful employment after graduation. However, graphic design skills are also needed in website design. By slightly shifting focus, you can match your creative skills to a career that the BLS states has 27% projected growth.
Research your interests and skills and think outside of the box as to where you can apply them. It's important to both pursue a subject you're interested in and find a career that can ensure your economic security.
What are you Passionate About?
At first glance, you might think this question is the same as the first one. But ask yourself this question in a different manner. View your interests as internal and your passions as external. You could be passionate about graphic design, but how do you plan to make a difference in the larger world? This isn't to say you're going to save the world with your graphic design, it's more about how you will apply your interest.
For example, your interest in graphic design has led you to consider becoming a web developer. But what websites will you develop? What kind of employers do you want to work for (large business, small business, etc)? How will you help customers with your web designs?
What have your Past Experiences in the Field been Like?
You might love digital media with all of your heart, but if you've broken every computer you've ever touched, it's a good bet you're not well suited to a career in this field. Before starting a degree program in computer and information science, you will be expected to have certain skills. If you're not sure how to open Photoshop, it's clear your skills are going to behind your classmates' before you even start.
However, if you grew up on computers and you are comfortable navigating websites and programs, you have a good foundation for starting a degree in digital media. It's not to say that you can't catch up on all the skills you will need to work in this field, but it will be more difficult. You will be learning about your field at the same time you're learning computer basics.
What is your Dream Job?
When asked this question a lot of people think about jobs such as panda hugger or video game tester, but think critically about your future. What would bring you the most happiness as far as personal satisfaction, creativity, and intellectual stimulation?
Continuing with the web development example, say that your interest is graphic design, your passion is helping small businesses create attractive and eye-catching digital media to help them win and retain customers. So what is your dream job? Do you want to be a web developer at this company? Do you want to be the manager of this company? It's all up to where your interests are and what level of responsibility you want to pursue.
Remember this when Picking your Major
First off, you can change your major. It can be a hassle, but it's not impossible. If you start down a career path that you realize isn't right for you, don't want until you hit rock bottom and are completely miserable. Change it now and start working on what you really want to do.
Second, let your interests evolve as you move through your degree program. You might get knee deep into your web development degree when you discover that apart from graphic design, you are the best coder in your class. Explore everything you can while in your degree program. After all, exploration is what college is all about.
Third, keep in mind that balance between your interests and the current economy. While it's awesome when your interests perfectly match the BLS's indicated career growth, this doesn’t always happen. Think about your future in different fields, even ones that seem radically different from anything you're used to. You might be surprised how you come across the right major for you.
Are you thinking about your major? If you're interested in nursing, technology, health science, and more exciting career fields, consider ECPI University for your education. Offering associates, bachelor's, and master's degrees in a variety of fields, ECPI University also has year-round classes on an accelerated schedule. This can help you to graduate sooner and start working faster. If you'd like more information about majors offered, contact a friendly admissions advisor today to talk about your interests and passions.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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